Watford Opinion: Why the Hornets should make a move for Gaston Pereiro?

According to a report from Watford Observer, Watford are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven attacker Gaston Pereiro.

The Uruguay international, 24, has been a huge hit at PSV Eindhoven since joining from Nacional in 2015, scoring 47 goals from 146 games. He enjoyed a highly productive 2018/19 campaign in the Eredivisie, managing 10 goals and six assists in 27 games.

Despite failing to guide PSV to the Eredivisie title, Gaston Pereiro’s creative displays didn’t go unnoticed and Watford are keen to sign him this summer. But the Hornets face competition from AC Milan, who were handed a one-year ban last month from Europa League over Financial Fair Play breaches.

Watford are coming off the back of an impressive 2018/19 campaign, although consecutive defeats in the last three Premier League games cost them a place in top-half of the table. In Roberto Pereyra, Gerard Deulofeu, Abdoulaye Doucoure amongst a few others, Javi Gracia has a solid squad that produced some really exciting displays this past season.

However, Gracia needs to add some more quality to his squad in a bid to break into the top seven next term. The Spanish tactician needs to bring in a creative player who’ll not only add assists and goals to the team but also provide some competition for the likes of Will Hughes, Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra. With that in mind, the Hornets would certainly be wise to launch a bid for Gaston Pereiro.

Pereiro has hit double figures in each of his four Eredivisie campaigns with PSV and now looks ready to make the step up to a Premier League side. A versatile player, the 24-year-old, who is noted for his creative passing, vision and dribbling skills, can play in different positions across the attack. He has the ability to pick a pass in the final third and has a knack of popping up in the box to finish off chances.

The Uruguay international is a hardworking player, adept at keeping hold of the ball and link up well with his teammates in midfield as well as the attacking third. The ex-Nacional man will add a much-needed flair to the Watford attack and with better players to complement him, Pereiro could be a really smart addition for Gracia’s side.

Verdict

Signing the very best players without European football could prove challenging for Watford, however. At £18 million, Pereiro could prove a risk worth taking.